Now, "If you were a Klown, where would you hide? In the amusement park!" So off go our heroes to rescue Debbie, who winds up captured and trapped inside a really big beach ball. And if you have a bunch of killer Klowns with pies in their hands, who do you think should get hit with them? Why, Soupy Sales of course!
Unfortunately, according to the audio commentary, the budget did not allow him to be flown in for the shoot. Too bad. That would have been a funny and apropos scene indeed.
The zany Terenzi Brothers arrive in their ice cream truck and join Mike and Officer Hanson as they enter the funhouse spaceship. The brothers soon get separated from Mike and Hanson, and wind up with a pair of big-bazoomed female Klowns. Thankfully we cut to Mike and Hanson entering the cotton-candy room, where Debbie is imprisoned. Although they rescue her, they are soon discovered, and a chase ensues through the weird rooms of the spaceship. After finally making their way through a doorway with a seemingly limitless amount of doors to open, they are trapped and surrounded by the Klowns.
The Terenzi Brothers burst in with their ice cream truck — which happens to have a clown's head on top of it — and use the speaker to tell the Klowns to bug off. But as they retreat, another, bigger threat appears. A giant Klown descends from the ceiling and goes after the ice cream truck. When told to get out of the truck, the brothers respond by saying "we can't, it's rented!" The ice cream truck, with the dull-witted brothers inside, is picked up and tossed into a fiery explosion. The scene is shot using miniatures and forced perspective, and works very well.
Will our heroes escape? All I can say is ... the extras are pretty good. Aside from an informative and entertaining audio commentary by the Chiodo Brothers, there are commentaries on the music, deleted scenes, bloopers, special effects, a trailer, and storyboard gallery.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space is an enjoyable film, and one that would do well with an effects-loaded remake or sequel.
"It's time for the descent," said Steve Brown, buckling himself back into the driver's seat. Glenor and I buckled ourselves in also, and prepared for The Descent.
Article comments
1 - kanrei
Very original review. One of my favorite "I am so far from Sober" movies of all time. I have debated on the DVD for a while now, no more. Thank you for the inspiration.
2 - Iloz Zoc
Thanks kanrei. I really think this film would be a smash if they could work out a sequel, or remake. It's quirkly enough to make a solid Halloween-time movie.
What's really amazing is that they spent 7 grand on the popcorn gun. It actually fires popcorn. Hell, every kid should have one.
3 - kanrei
I want one now! I gotta get this DVD. I have seen the movie tons of times, but all that trivia I do not know.
I am not sure if a remake would be any good. Most of this movie's charm is how cheap everything appears, how bad the acting was and that we saw it in the 80's. I am not sure if today's audience can relax enough to enjoy a dumb movie that takes itself seriously.
We all still loves movies that are dumb and know it, but this one, like Rocky Horror, took itself serious as a horror movie first, and camp second.
4 - Iloz Zoc
Yes,the 80s was a unique time for horror films. Your point about the audience relaxing enough is probably true. The DVD commentary is interesting because they fill in the background about the characters, including Mike Tobacco and the wacky T Brothers. Those brothers always dumbfounded me. The special effects talk, especially in regard to the budget, is great, too. I always love creative stretching of the dollar. Lord knows what happened with the popcorn gun, though. They sort of went crazy with that one.
5 - kanrei
The 5th Element was the last true bad movie that pretended it wasn't bad and it was great for it. Today, movies either let the audience know that they realize they are dumb or they take themselves too seriously. Gone are the days of having a good time watching a well done b-movie.
6 - Mat Brewster
Another brilliant review. For reasons I can't possibly fathom I've never seen this film. I simply must add it to my blockbuster queue post haste.
7 - Iloz Zoc
Damn, I remember 5th Element. While watching it I thought, wtf!, but then went with it. I appreciate it more now.
Mat, I suggest you stop-----clowning around and get this baby. Ahem.
8 - kanrei
I walked out of 5th Element thinking the same thing. It wasn't until the second time I saw it that I said "Oh, I get it!"
I love bad movies when done well. I cannot tell you how many times I would sit down to watch MST3K and feel embarressed at the fact that I had actually seen the movie they were making fun of.
9 - kanrei
Iloz,
I hope you don't mind, but I linked to your site. I am always looking for the real reviews on horror flix.
10 - Mat Brewster
Ugh. That was super-ultra bad Iloz. I really don't know why I haven't seen this yet. Everytime it comes on TV I think I should watch the sucker. I've even picked it up a few times thinking I should buy it. I'll blame my wife, I guess, who really despises my love for really bad horror flicks.
11 - Iloz Zoc
When I watch a movie on MST3K that I grew up with, and thought it was super when a kid, yup, I get that feeling. But when you can make fun, and have fun with a film that's bad, it's great. There are some godawful films I've watched that were pure torture with no redeeming value whatsoever.
Wow, thanks, I'm honored you want to link to my site. I must confess I started reading your Home for Wayward Lemmings posts after your first comment. The writing style is great. Political writing is tuff to do as it requires a deft touch between satire, humor and sarcasm. I'm going to add your link to my On Writing section. You won me with "I never knew Peace Talks had half-time shows either." Go figure. And some people think Killer Klowns is bizarre.
12 - Iloz Zoc
Mat, sorry, I couldn't resist :)
13 - kanrei
Iloz,
Thank you so much. I find it the opposite. Political writing is so easy, but a good film review is near impossible.
You are my new source for Horror news.
14 - Iloz Zoc
Thanks Kanrei! I appreciate it.